The passage from San Jose Del Cabo included stops at Los Frailes and Los Muertos. Easy day sails from San Jose del Cabo that forced us to slow down and take it all in.  Both places were ideal. “Snorkeling in aquariums,” as Luke said. Nice bays with sandy bottoms for easy anchoring, which is important as our windlass has failed. Hand raising an anchor with many feet of chain works the back so the cold Pacificos on board are better spent applied to the skin after the heft. Luckily a friend is driving to La Paz in 2 weeks to visit a friend’s house further south and will be bring us a new windlass, more chain and rode, and a new bigger anchor. We want to be able to sleep soundly at night knowing we aren’t dragging through the anchorage as we enjoy spending time on the hook. And using a reliable windlass to raise the anchor will help Lisa out with her job as I drive/steer the boat during the lifting of the hook. My back will enjoy her foot pushing a deck mounted button so the stainless steel does the work.

La Paz is a awesome place. Costabaja, the marina we are at, has been given 2 thumbs up from both Abby and Luke as the pool is first rate and the wifi allows them to catch up with friends and more importantly, do some school work.  My old college roommate Scott happened to be in town for Turkey day with his family and 2 other families so we got together for dinner and spent some time at the plush marina pool, swimming, playing ping pong, and hanging out. The public art here is everywhere and accessible. Walking along the boardwalk while the sun sets can be addicting. The pizza place on the beach was just what we needed, eating thin crust pizza with toes in the sand.

The kids have been doing school while underway as the cellular service here is better than in Oregon. Still catching fish, but having to toss them back as the freezer is full. Just waiting for a wahoo, a rooster, or a big tuna. It will happen soon. One thing I will change about our next boat is it will have a carved figurehead just like the sloop next to us. The sea sirens call out to me. Call me traditional.

Happy Lisa

Ping Pong at the beach club

Still reading a book a day.

Actually getting along for a change!

Viva Mexico!

I have a paper boat, too!

Skull art

A life reminder

Another perfect end to daylight

Spanish mackreal again

The blue of her eyes and the gold of her hair. A sailor’s dream!

Gems in my eyes

And on the 7th day, shells for all!

Math underway

Spanish class, while in a Spanish speaking country, kinda useful.